Business & Economy

Published: 03 February 2026. The English Chronicle Desk. The English Chronicle Online. The Reserve Bank’s cash rate decision has sent mortgage holders across Australia into immediate concern, as borrowing costs are set to rise sharply. The RBA increased the cash rate to 3.85%, up from 3.6%, marking the first rate hike in more than two years and signalling potential further increases if inflation remains elevated. This rate adjustment reflects the...

Published: 03 February 2026. The English Chronicle Desk. The English Chronicle Online. The European Union has shown an open mind on UK customs union discussions, signalling potential for closer trade ties. In comments to the BBC, EU economy commissioner Valdis Dombrovskis confirmed the bloc was ready to engage constructively with the UK, highlighting the possibility of a customs union as part of broader economic discussions. The focus on a customs...

Published: 03 February 2026. The English Chronicle Desk. The English Chronicle Online. The latest Riverford sales figures show strong growth as the UK organic food sector records its biggest expansion in twenty years. Riverford sales increased by six percent over the past financial year, reflecting changing consumer habits and rising trust in organic suppliers. The employee-owned delivery company reported higher customer demand, larger basket sizes, and steady repeat orders across...

Published: 02 February 2026. The English Chronicle Desk. The English Chronicle Online. A sudden gold price crash has sent shockwaves through financial markets, unsettling investors and triggering sharp reactions across global exchanges. The gold price crash came alongside a steep fall in silver, deepening anxiety about market positioning and safe-haven strategies worldwide. Traders who had crowded into metals for protection rapidly shifted direction as sentiment changed within hours. The gold...

Published: 31 January 2026. The English Chronicle Desk. The English Chronicle Online A growing share of England’s online food economy is operating out of sight, according to new academic research examining delivery platforms. A university-led study has found that one in seven food businesses listed on major delivery apps now operate as so-called dark kitchens. The findings highlight the rapid expansion of a hidden sector that many consumers use without...

Published: 31 January 2026. The English Chronicle Desk. The English Chronicle Online UK new car buyers are finding unprecedented opportunities to secure significant savings, as manufacturers and dealers cut prices sharply across petrol, diesel, and electric models. Fresh industry data indicates that average discounts have climbed above ten percent, creating conditions many experts describe as the most favourable for buyers since before the coronavirus pandemic disrupted supply chains. According to...

Published: 30 January 2026. The English Chronicle Desk. The English Chronicle Online. Britain’s largest drugmaker has confirmed a sweeping overseas expansion, placing fresh emphasis on Asian growth. The AstraZeneca China investment was unveiled during Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s high-profile visit to Beijing, marking a pivotal moment for the company’s global strategy. Valued at $15bn, or about £11bn, the commitment will be delivered by 2030 and will significantly expand manufacturing, research,...

Published: 29 January 2026. The English Chronicle Desk. The English Chronicle Online. The UK food industry has urged the government to introduce a transition period if it realigns post-Brexit agriculture rules with the EU. Officials warned that immediate regulatory changes could create a “cliff edge” costing UK businesses between £500 million and £810 million annually. The call for a UK food transition has quickly become central to discussions, as farmers...

Published: 29 January 2026. The English Chronicle Desk. The English Chronicle Online. The UK may struggle to meet its target of producing 1.3 million cars annually without building a large new UK car factory, industry leaders have warned, as Prime Minister Keir Starmer embarks on a trade mission to China. Labour’s industrial strategy aims to nearly double output from the 764,715 cars and vans manufactured in 2025, according to the...

Published: 29 January 2026. The English Chronicle Desk. The English Chronicle Online. Households in England and Wales are bracing for a significant water bills increase this April, as the cost of water rises yet again. According to Water UK, the average household will face an additional £33 on their annual bills, bringing the typical payment to £639. This 5.4% rise, above last year’s inflation, is intended to fund essential repairs...